GLP-1 receptor agonists -- specifically semaglutide, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy -- have become some of the most prescribed medications in the UK. By 2025, NHS records showed over 3 million Ozempic prescriptions issued annually, and Wegovy availability through specialist weight management services has expanded rapidly since its NICE approval in 2023. Whether you are starting semaglutide for type 2 diabetes or weight management, blood tests before and during treatment are not optional extras -- they are clinically essential.
Pre-treatment blood work establishes your baseline health, identifies contraindications your prescriber needs to know about, and creates a reference point for monitoring the medication's effects on your liver, kidneys, thyroid, and nutritional status over time. During treatment, the appetite suppression that makes semaglutide effective also introduces risks -- nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, and gallbladder complications -- that targeted blood testing can detect early.
This guide covers the full blood test panel recommended before starting Ozempic or Wegovy, what to monitor at 3, 6, and 12 months, the clinical differences between the two medications, side effects to watch for, and how to access comprehensive testing without a GP referral.
Key Takeaways
- Baseline blood tests are clinically required before starting any GLP-1 receptor agonist. Your prescriber needs HbA1c, liver function, kidney function, thyroid markers, and a lipid panel at minimum.
- Semaglutide carries a boxed warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumours (based on rodent studies). It is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Thyroid screening before treatment is essential.
- Nutritional deficiencies are common. Research shows 22.4% of patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists develop at least one nutritional deficiency within 12 months, driven by reduced caloric intake. Vitamin D, iron, and B12 are the most frequently affected.
- Kidney function monitoring matters because GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) can cause dehydration, which has been linked to acute kidney injury in semaglutide users.
- Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same drug (semaglutide) at different doses and with different licensed indications -- Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy for weight management.
- At-home venous blood testing with a professional phlebotomist makes comprehensive pre-treatment and monitoring panels accessible without GP referral or clinic visits.
What Are Semaglutide Medications?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist -- a class of medication that mimics the action of glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone naturally produced in the gut after eating. GLP-1 slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite, stimulates insulin secretion, and suppresses glucagon release. The result is lower blood glucose levels and significant appetite reduction.
Two branded versions of semaglutide are available in the UK:
- Ozempic -- Licensed for adults with type 2 diabetes whose blood glucose is inadequately controlled with diet, exercise, and other diabetes medications. Available as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection in doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg.
- Wegovy -- Licensed for weight management alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Available as a once-weekly injection with a dose escalation schedule from 0.25 mg up to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg.
Both medications are prescription-only in the UK. Ozempic is prescribed through standard NHS diabetes pathways, while Wegovy is available through specialist NHS weight management services or private prescribers. A third formulation, Rybelsus (oral semaglutide), is also available for type 2 diabetes but is less commonly prescribed.
Why Blood Tests Matter Before Starting Semaglutide
Pre-treatment blood testing serves three critical purposes:
1. Establish a Baseline
Semaglutide affects multiple organ systems -- metabolic, hepatic, renal, thyroid, and cardiovascular. Without baseline measurements, it is impossible to determine whether changes in your blood markers are caused by the medication, by the weight loss itself, or by a pre-existing condition. A comprehensive panel before treatment creates a reference point that makes all future monitoring meaningful.
2. Rule Out Contraindications
Semaglutide is contraindicated in several clinical scenarios that blood tests can identify:
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2: Semaglutide carries a boxed warning (the most serious category of drug warning) regarding thyroid C-cell tumours observed in rodent studies. While a causal link in humans has not been established, the medication is contraindicated in anyone with a personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2. Baseline thyroid screening is a standard precaution.
- Severe renal impairment: Patients with significantly reduced kidney function (low eGFR) require careful evaluation, as semaglutide-related GI side effects can cause dehydration that worsens renal function.
- History of pancreatitis: Baseline pancreatic markers help establish whether any future elevations are drug-related or pre-existing.
3. Identify Conditions That May Affect Treatment
Pre-existing liver disease, thyroid dysfunction, or undiagnosed diabetes (in the case of Wegovy patients) can all influence how you respond to semaglutide and how your prescriber manages your treatment. Blood tests catch these before the first dose.
The Pre-Treatment Blood Test Panel
The following biomarkers form a comprehensive pre-semaglutide baseline. Your prescriber may not test all of these, but a complete panel gives you the fullest picture.
Glycaemic Control
| Biomarker | What It Measures | Why It Matters for Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| HbA1c | Average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months. The gold standard for diabetes monitoring. | Cornerstone of semaglutide efficacy tracking. NICE guidelines (NG28) recommend monitoring every 3-6 months until stable, then every 6 months. Baseline HbA1c determines starting point and treatment response. |
| Fasting blood glucose | Real-time blood sugar level after an overnight fast. | Complements HbA1c by showing current glucose control. Useful for detecting hypoglycaemia risk, particularly if semaglutide is combined with insulin or sulphonylureas. |
Liver Function
| Biomarker | What It Measures | Why It Matters for Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| ALT | Alanine aminotransferase -- a liver enzyme that rises when liver cells are damaged. | Semaglutide generally improves liver enzymes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but baseline levels are essential to track this improvement and to detect any rare adverse hepatic effects. |
| AST | Aspartate aminotransferase -- found in liver, heart, and muscle tissue. | Used alongside ALT for a fuller liver picture. The AST:ALT ratio can help distinguish between different types of liver disease. |
| GGT | Gamma-glutamyl transferase -- sensitive to bile duct obstruction and liver inflammation. | Elevated GGT can indicate gallbladder or bile duct issues. Semaglutide increases the risk of gallstone formation (cholelithiasis), making baseline GGT particularly relevant. |
| Albumin | A protein made by the liver -- reflects liver synthetic function and nutritional status. | Low albumin can indicate liver disease, malnutrition, or chronic inflammation. As semaglutide reduces food intake, monitoring albumin helps detect inadequate protein intake early. |
Kidney Function
| Biomarker | What It Measures | Why It Matters for Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Creatinine | A waste product from muscle metabolism, filtered by the kidneys. | Rising creatinine indicates declining kidney function. Postmarketing reports have linked GLP-1 receptor agonists with acute kidney injury, typically associated with dehydration from GI side effects. |
| eGFR | Estimated glomerular filtration rate -- calculated from creatinine. The best overall measure of kidney function. | Baseline eGFR identifies patients with pre-existing kidney disease who need closer monitoring. Research published in Nature Medicine found an initial decline in eGFR in semaglutide users that typically stabilises, but patients with limited kidney reserve are at higher risk. |
| Urea | A waste product from protein metabolism, excreted by the kidneys. | Elevated urea with normal creatinine can suggest dehydration -- a common concern with semaglutide given its GI side effect profile. |
Thyroid Function
| Biomarker | What It Measures | Why It Matters for Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| TSH | Thyroid-stimulating hormone -- the primary screening marker for thyroid function. | Baseline TSH is essential given semaglutide's boxed warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumours. TSH screens for both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, which can affect weight and metabolism independently of the medication. |
| Free T4 | The main circulating thyroid hormone. Converted to the active form (T3) in tissues. | Free T4 alongside TSH provides a clearer thyroid picture. Abnormal results before starting semaglutide should be investigated and treated before initiating GLP-1 therapy. |
Lipid Panel
| Biomarker | What It Measures | Why It Matters for Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | The sum of all cholesterol fractions in the blood. | Establishes cardiovascular risk baseline. Semaglutide has been shown to improve lipid profiles in clinical trials, making pre-treatment levels important for tracking benefit. |
| HDL cholesterol | High-density lipoprotein -- the "protective" cholesterol fraction. | HDL levels often improve with weight loss and metabolic improvement. Baseline measurement quantifies the cardiovascular benefit over time. |
| Non-HDL cholesterol | Total cholesterol minus HDL -- captures all atherogenic (artery-clogging) lipoprotein fractions. | NICE now recommends non-HDL as the primary lipid target for cardiovascular risk reduction. More informative than LDL alone because it includes VLDL and remnant cholesterol. |
| Triglycerides | Fats circulating in the blood, strongly linked to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. | Triglycerides typically fall significantly with semaglutide treatment. Elevated baseline triglycerides are a key metabolic risk marker -- tracking the reduction documents treatment benefit. |
| ApoB | Apolipoprotein B -- one ApoB molecule sits on each atherogenic lipoprotein particle. A direct count of particles that cause atherosclerosis. | Considered by many cardiologists to be the single best predictor of cardiovascular risk. Not routinely tested by the NHS but increasingly recommended for patients with metabolic syndrome. |
Inflammation, Blood Count, and Nutritional Markers
| Biomarker | What It Measures | Why It Matters for Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| CRP | C-reactive protein -- a general marker of systemic inflammation. | Chronic low-grade inflammation is associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. CRP typically improves with weight loss on semaglutide. Baseline CRP also helps interpret any future elevations that might indicate pancreatitis. |
| Full blood count (FBC) | Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelets. | Detects anaemia (common in patients with reduced food intake), infection, and blood disorders. Semaglutide has been associated with anaemia in some patients due to nutritional deficiencies caused by appetite suppression. |
| Vitamin D | Essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. | Vitamin D deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in GLP-1 receptor agonist users, with an incidence of 13.6% within 12 months. Reduced food intake and dietary fat (which aids vitamin D absorption) contributes to the risk. |
| Ferritin / Iron | Ferritin measures stored iron; serum iron measures circulating iron. Together they assess iron status. | Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional consequences of GLP-1 therapy. Reduced meat and food intake, combined with potential GI issues affecting absorption, makes baseline iron status essential. Low ferritin causes fatigue and brain fog that can be mistaken for medication side effects. |
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Monitoring Blood Tests During Treatment
Once you start semaglutide, regular blood testing tracks both the benefits of treatment and any emerging complications. The monitoring schedule below reflects current clinical recommendations, though your prescriber may adjust the frequency based on your individual risk profile.
At 3 Months
The first monitoring checkpoint is the most important. By three months, you will typically be at or approaching your maintenance dose, and the medication's effects on your metabolism should be measurable.
| Test | Why at 3 Months |
|---|---|
| HbA1c | First measure of glycaemic response. NICE recommends 3-6 monthly HbA1c until stable for diabetes patients. Wegovy patients should also check -- non-diabetic hyperglycaemia often normalises. |
| Liver function (ALT, AST, GGT) | Monitor for any adverse hepatic effects and to track the expected improvement in fatty liver markers. Significantly elevated liver enzymes warrant investigation. |
| Kidney function (creatinine, eGFR) | Identifies any renal impact, particularly if you have experienced significant nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea during dose escalation. Research shows an initial eGFR decline that typically stabilises. |
| Full blood count | Early detection of anaemia from reduced nutritional intake. If haemoglobin has dropped, investigate iron, B12, and folate status. |
| Iron / ferritin | Reduced food intake often impacts iron status within the first 3 months. Low ferritin causes fatigue that is easily attributed to the medication rather than a correctable deficiency. |
At 6 Months
By six months, weight loss effects are well established and nutritional patterns are clearer. This is when deficiencies typically become clinically apparent.
- HbA1c -- continued monitoring for diabetes patients; confirms sustained metabolic improvement for weight management patients.
- Full lipid panel -- check the cardiovascular benefit. Triglycerides, non-HDL, and ApoB should show measurable improvement if weight loss has been significant.
- Thyroid function (TSH, Free T4) -- periodic thyroid screening given the class-level precaution. Also relevant because weight loss itself can alter thyroid hormone levels.
- Vitamin D -- 6 months is the point at which deficiency risk increases substantially. A 2025 study published in ScienceDirect found vitamin D deficiency in 7.5% of GLP-1 users at 6 months, rising to 13.6% at 12 months.
- Liver function -- continued monitoring. If you had elevated baseline liver enzymes (common with NAFLD), this is where you may see improvement.
- Kidney function -- continued monitoring, particularly if GI side effects have been persistent.
At 12 Months and Annually
After the first year, monitoring shifts to an annual cadence for most patients, though more frequent testing is warranted if you have pre-existing conditions or ongoing side effects.
- Full metabolic panel: HbA1c, liver function, kidney function, lipids -- annual comprehensive testing.
- Nutritional markers: Vitamin D, iron/ferritin, B12, and folate. Clinicians recommend prioritising higher-protein diets (1.2-1.6 g per kilogram of adjusted body weight) and monitoring for deficiencies to preserve lean muscle mass.
- Thyroid function: Annual TSH and Free T4.
- CRP: Annual check to track systemic inflammation improvement.
- Gallbladder monitoring: Not a blood test per se, but be aware that semaglutide increases the risk of cholelithiasis (gallstones). Symptoms include right upper abdominal pain, nausea after fatty meals, and pain radiating to the back. Elevated GGT and ALP on blood tests can indicate biliary obstruction.
Ozempic vs Wegovy: What Is the Difference?
Ozempic and Wegovy are both manufactured by Novo Nordisk and contain the same active ingredient -- semaglutide. The key differences lie in their licensed indications, available doses, and how they are accessed in the UK.
| Ozempic | Wegovy | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| Licensed indication | Type 2 diabetes (adjunct to diet and exercise) | Weight management (adjunct to reduced-calorie diet and exercise) |
| Dose range | 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg (weekly) | 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, 2.4 mg (weekly) |
| Maximum dose | 2 mg/week | 2.4 mg/week |
| Dose escalation | 0.25 mg for 4 weeks, then increase every 4 weeks | 0.25 mg for 4 weeks, then increase monthly to maintenance |
| NHS access | Through GP or diabetes specialist | Through specialist weight management services only |
| NICE guidance | NG28 (Type 2 diabetes in adults) | TA875 (Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity) |
| Maximum treatment duration | No time limit (ongoing diabetes management) | 2 years maximum (per NICE TA875) |
NHS Eligibility for Wegovy
Under NICE technology appraisal TA875, Wegovy is recommended on the NHS for adults who meet all of the following criteria:
- Treatment is within a specialist weight management service providing multidisciplinary support
- Treatment duration is a maximum of 2 years
- At least one weight-related comorbidity (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease)
- BMI of 35 kg/m² or above, or BMI of 30-34.9 kg/m² if you meet the criteria for referral to specialist weight management services
Lower BMI thresholds (reduced by 2.5 kg/m²) apply for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds, reflecting the higher metabolic risk at lower BMI in these populations.
Regional availability varies. Waiting times for NHS specialist weight management services can be lengthy, and some Integrated Care Boards have implemented additional local eligibility criteria due to budget constraints. Private prescribers offer an alternative route with shorter access times.
Side Effects to Watch For
Semaglutide's side effect profile is well characterised from extensive clinical trial data (the SUSTAIN, STEP, and SELECT programmes). Understanding these side effects and which blood tests can help detect complications early is an important part of safe treatment.
Gastrointestinal Effects
The most common side effects are GI-related: nausea (affecting up to 44% of patients in trials), vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These are typically worst during dose escalation and improve as the body adjusts. The gradual dose-increase schedule -- starting at 0.25 mg and increasing every 4 weeks -- is specifically designed to minimise these effects.
What to watch for: Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea can cause dehydration, which affects kidney function. If GI side effects are severe or prolonged, a kidney function test (creatinine, eGFR, urea) is warranted to check for dehydration-related kidney stress.
Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a rare but serious potential complication of all GLP-1 receptor agonists. An assessment by the FDA and EMA concluded that a definitive causal association has not been established, but vigilance is recommended.
Symptoms: Severe, persistent abdominal pain (often radiating to the back), nausea, and vomiting. These differ from the typical mild GI side effects of semaglutide.
Blood tests: Lipase and amylase (pancreatic enzymes) are not part of routine monitoring but should be tested urgently if pancreatitis symptoms develop. If you have a history of pancreatitis, discuss the risk-benefit profile with your prescriber before starting.
Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)
Semaglutide increases the risk of gallstone formation. This is likely related to the rapid weight loss that the medication produces rather than a direct pharmacological effect -- gallstones are a well-established complication of any significant weight loss. Clinical trial data shows an increased rate of biliary events in semaglutide-treated patients compared to placebo.
Blood tests: GGT, ALP (alkaline phosphatase), and bilirubin can indicate bile duct obstruction from gallstones. If you develop right upper abdominal pain, especially after eating fatty foods, these markers should be checked alongside an ultrasound.
Thyroid Considerations
The boxed warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumours is based entirely on rodent studies. In the clinical trial programme (SUSTAIN), thyroid events were rare and not clearly attributable to semaglutide. Nonetheless, the medication is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.
Blood tests: TSH and Free T4 at baseline and periodically during treatment. Calcitonin testing is not routinely recommended for monitoring but may be considered if there is a clinical concern about thyroid nodules.
Nutritional Deficiencies
This is perhaps the most underappreciated risk of GLP-1 therapy. A 2025 retrospective study found that 12.7% of patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists developed a nutritional deficiency within 6 months, rising to 22.4% within 12 months. Caloric reductions of 16-39% are typical, and intakes below 1,200 kcal/day for women or 1,800 kcal/day for men significantly increase the risk of inadequate micronutrient intake.
The most commonly affected nutrients include:
- Vitamin D -- the most frequently deficient (13.6% at 12 months)
- Iron and ferritin -- reduced meat intake and potential GI absorption issues
- Vitamin B12 -- particularly relevant for patients also taking metformin
- Protein -- insufficient intake accelerates muscle loss. The Endocrine Society reported in 2025 that older adults and women on semaglutide are at higher risk of muscle loss, and higher protein intake (1.2-1.6 g/kg) appears protective.
Blood tests: Vitamin D, ferritin, iron, B12, folate, and albumin (as a protein status marker) should be checked at 6 and 12 months, and annually thereafter.
Can You Get These Blood Tests Without a GP?
If you are starting semaglutide through a private prescriber, your pre-treatment blood work may be included in their protocol. If you are on the NHS pathway, your GP or specialist will order baseline tests -- though the panel may not be as comprehensive as the full list above.
For anyone who wants a more thorough baseline, is monitoring between NHS appointments, or has been prescribed semaglutide privately and needs independent blood work, at-home venous blood testing provides a practical alternative.
Why Venous Sampling Matters
Many at-home blood test services use finger-prick (capillary) sampling. While convenient, finger-prick samples have limitations for comprehensive metabolic panels:
- Volume: A full pre-semaglutide panel testing 20+ biomarkers requires more blood than a finger-prick can reliably produce.
- Accuracy: Venous blood samples are the gold standard used by NHS laboratories. Squeezing the finger can cause haemolysis (red blood cell rupture), which interferes with accurate measurement of iron studies, potassium, and liver enzymes.
- Reliability: Failed or insufficient finger-prick samples mean retesting and delays -- frustrating when you need results before starting medication.
Professional phlebotomy at home combines clinical-grade sampling with the convenience of not visiting a clinic. One venous draw, one appointment, reliable results for your full panel.
Check Your Baseline Before Starting GLP-1 Medication
The Core Health 45 blood test covers all the key markers your prescriber needs -- HbA1c, liver, kidney, thyroid, lipids, and more. Results in 2 working days, from home.
View Core Health 45 →Professional phlebotomist visit included. No GP referral needed.
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Important: This article is for informational purposes only. Ozempic and Wegovy are prescription-only medicines in the UK. Always consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Lola Health provides blood testing services -- we do not prescribe medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What blood tests should I have before starting Ozempic in the UK?
At minimum, your prescriber should check HbA1c, fasting glucose, liver function (ALT, AST, GGT), kidney function (creatinine, eGFR), thyroid function (TSH, Free T4), and a lipid panel. A comprehensive pre-treatment panel should also include full blood count, CRP, vitamin D, iron/ferritin, and albumin. These biomarkers establish your baseline health, identify contraindications (particularly thyroid issues related to semaglutide's boxed warning), and provide reference values for monitoring during treatment.
How often should I have blood tests while on Wegovy?
The recommended monitoring schedule is: blood tests at 3 months (HbA1c, liver function, kidney function, full blood count, iron), 6 months (add lipid panel, thyroid function, vitamin D), and then annually. If you experience severe GI side effects, kidney function should be checked sooner. If you have type 2 diabetes, NICE recommends HbA1c every 3-6 months until stable, then every 6 months. Your prescriber may adjust this schedule based on your individual health profile.
Can Ozempic affect liver function?
Semaglutide generally has a positive effect on liver function, particularly in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Clinical trials have shown improvements in ALT and AST levels as weight decreases and insulin resistance improves. However, rare cases of hepatic adverse events have been reported, and any unexplained elevation in liver enzymes during treatment warrants investigation. Baseline liver function tests are essential so your prescriber can distinguish drug-related changes from pre-existing conditions.
Does semaglutide affect the thyroid?
Semaglutide carries a boxed warning (the most serious category of drug warning) regarding thyroid C-cell tumours, based on findings in rodent studies. A causal link in humans has not been established, but the medication is contraindicated in anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Baseline thyroid testing (TSH and Free T4) is standard before starting treatment, with periodic monitoring during therapy.
Will Ozempic show up on a blood test?
Semaglutide levels are not routinely measured in clinical practice in the UK. Standard blood tests do not detect or quantify semaglutide itself. Monitoring focuses on the medication's therapeutic effects (HbA1c reduction, lipid improvement, liver enzyme changes) and potential complications (kidney function, nutritional deficiencies) rather than drug levels in the blood.
Can semaglutide cause kidney problems?
There have been postmarketing reports of acute kidney injury in patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide. In most reported cases, the kidney injury was associated with dehydration caused by GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) rather than a direct toxic effect of the drug. Patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease have less renal reserve and may be at higher risk. Interestingly, the FLOW trial (published in the New England Journal of Medicine) showed that semaglutide reduced the risk of major kidney events by 24% in patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD, suggesting long-term renal benefit.
What nutritional deficiencies does semaglutide cause?
Semaglutide does not directly cause nutritional deficiencies, but the significant appetite suppression and reduced food intake it produces can lead to inadequate micronutrient intake. Research published in 2025 found that 22.4% of patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists developed at least one deficiency within 12 months. The most common are vitamin D (13.6% incidence at 12 months), iron, vitamin B12, calcium, and zinc. Adequate protein intake (1.2-1.6 g per kilogram of body weight) is also critical to minimise muscle loss during rapid weight loss.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS?
Yes, but access is currently limited. Under NICE TA875, Wegovy is recommended for adults with a BMI of 35+ (or 30-34.9 with comorbidities), at least one weight-related health condition, and when prescribed within a specialist weight management service for a maximum of 2 years. Lower BMI thresholds apply for people from South Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds. Waiting times for NHS specialist weight management services vary by region and can be lengthy. Private prescribers offer an alternative route with typically shorter waiting times.
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